Collapsible Insulated Cooler Box for Reusable Cold-Chain Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting perishable goods are limited by bulky, non-reusable materials, inadequate thermal insulation, and inefficiencies in maintaining desired temperatures during extended logistics, especially in off-loading to land-based delivery.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulated, collapsible container made of poly-vinyl chloride bonded to aluminum laminate with multiple layers of foam, featuring a collapsible design with foldable sidewalls, a rigid base and top plate, and vent openings, allowing for efficient temperature maintenance using dry ice, and secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated one-time use materials or hardware items are used for transport insulation, then thermal protection is provided, but the materials are bulky and difficult to return for re-use
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler box is designed to be collapsed and stored flat after use, enabling recovery and reuse. The collapsible side walls allow the box to be compressed to a fraction of its original volume, making it easy to return and store for subsequent transport cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The side walls are designed to be collapsible rather than rigid, allowing the container to dynamically change its volume. This enables the box to transition from an expanded usable state to a compressed storage state, resolving the contradiction between providing adequate insulation volume and ease of return/reuse.
2Reliability
If traditional insulated containers are used, then thermal insulation is provided, but they are bulky and difficult to store or ship when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The container features collapsible side walls that allow it to be compressed from its full operational volume to a compact flat configuration for storage. This dynamic volume change resolves the contradiction between needing adequate insulation volume during use and minimizing storage volume when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible design allows the side walls to fold inward and nest within the base and top surfaces of the container, creating a compact nested configuration that minimizes storage volume while maintaining the full insulation capacity when expanded.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extended transport logistics are implemented, then broader delivery coverage is achieved, but thermal insulation qualities become inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The container uses a composite construction with an aluminum foil laminate layer bonded to the interior and exterior surfaces of the insulation. This composite material provides superior thermal reflection and insulation properties that maintain effectiveness during extended transport logistics, resolving the contradiction between broader delivery coverage and adequate thermal insulation.
4Strength
If rigid container structures are used, then structural strength is maintained, but they cannot be collapsed for smaller storage or shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into a rigid base portion and collapsible side wall portions. The rigid base maintains structural strength and supports the load, while the segmented side walls can be folded or collapsed inward, allowing the container to be compressed for storage while maintaining adequate structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the container have different structural properties: the base is rigid to provide structural strength and support, while the side walls are designed to be collapsible to enable compact storage. This local differentiation of structural quality resolves the contradiction between maintaining strength and enabling collapsibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a lightweight, durable, and cost-effective means to maintain uniform thermal stability for perishable goods from shipping to delivery, minimizing thermal issues and enabling efficient reuse.
Implementation Method 1
multiple layers of foam 14 interposed between the inner surfaces 16 and outer surfaces 12
Implementation Method 2
aluminum laminate with multiple layers of foam 14 interposed between the inner surfaces 16 and outer surfaces 12
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes an airtight cooler box having a base panel, a collapsible unitary side panel, and a top panel. The base panel extends orthogonally from the base to form an opening defined by side panel top edges. A top panel having pouches on an inside surface is sized fit the top opening. A rigid base plate rests on a base panel inside surface. A top plate with vent openings is located inside the container under the top panel. Zippered closures on three top edges of the side panel and corresponding top panel three edges close the box. Box inner and outer surfaces include a poly-vinyl chloride material bonded to an aluminum laminate with multiple layers of foam interposed between panel inner and outer surfaces.